The countdown to the women’s final four basketball tournament on March 30th has begun and people are already placing bets, booking their flights, and preparing to fill the courts.

This year, the event will be held in Columbus and it will be one to remember. Ohio’s largest city is family friendly, features a fantastic food scene, and is packed full of parks, museums, and other places to visit. They’re ready to host you and keep you enjoying yourself every moment you’re there.

Ready to buy your tickets and find a place to stay for the games? Check out hotels and house listings in the area.

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We have a feeling you’ll like Columbus so much, you’ll want to stay a few extra days.

Get to Columbus

As the 15th largest city in the country, Columbus is relatively easy to travel to by plane or car. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a mere 10 minutes from downtown. Plus, the city is located at the crossroads of two interstate highways - 70 and 71.

Once you’ve arrived, getting around is just as much of a breeze. You can find transportation options, and parking information here. Navigating Columbus is no sweat!

Go to the games

The women’s final four takes place from March 30th to April 1st at Nationwide Arena. Doors will open 90 minutes before each game. All guests will be required to walk through metal detectors upon entry, and are subject to bag checks or inspections.

Before arriving, be sure to check out the arena’s seating charts and accessible parking.

If you haven’t already bought tickets, find out more information online.

Love the city

Of course, you’ll have a blast at the games, but half the fun will be the adventures you go on outside of the court. We have a list of places you should definitely check out to make your time in Columbus one to remember forever.

German Village

The German Village Historic District is next to downtown Columbus and it is a neighborhood you’ll probably wish you grew up in. The architecture is beautiful, residents walk everywhere, and there is plenty to explore. Try their authentic German food or watch a free show at the Actor’s Theatre! One of the coolest places to visit is the Book Loft. It’s a 32 room building, each filled with books (duh), CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and more. Dogs are even allowed inside!

Easton

Easton is like a gigantic outdoor mall that has every store you could ever want. It’s the Midwest’s primary place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are 60 restaurants, offering a diverse range of cuisine, from Turkish to Mexican to Italian. It’s probably safe to assume whatever you’re craving, Easton has it somewhere. They also have a 30-screen movie theater so you can catch a show after dinner.

North Market

Columbus’ food scene is fantastically diverse, and there is no better place to experience it than the North Market. This public market offers fresh or prepared foods from unique, independent merchants. Engage your second stomach, because you’ll want to try everything. They have ice cream, beer, popcorn, coffee, pastries, ethnic specialties, and more.

For other excellent eats, check out Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Katalina’s cafe, or Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace. They’re all cheerful venues that will feed you ridiculously well.

COSI

Have young ones traveling with you? Or maybe you just want to spend a few hours re-discovering why science is awesome? Visit COSI, a science center with more than 300 interactive exhibits. Their themed exhibition areas include: Ocean, Space, Gadgets, Life, Progress, Big Science Park, and their new Innovation Showcase. Each exhibit makes learning and being creative fun for all age levels.

Scioto Mile

With 253 acres of parkland and miles of multi-use trails to explore, Scioto is a great place to enjoy both the city and nature. It stretches along the river and fosters some of the city’s most celebrated features - a 15,000 square-foot interactive fountain and the Scioto Audubon, a wildlife oasis. There is also a dog park, sand volleyball courts, and even a climbing wall. At 35 feet high, it’s the largest free climbing wall in the country. Just bring your own equipment!

If you want to take a more scenic stroll without any urban influence, stop by Big Run Park, the Columbus Park of Roses, or Topiary Park. They’re gorgeous, and could all serve as inspiration for majestic landscape painters.

Plan a trip to Columbus today! Come to support the ladies competing in the NCAA’s final four, and get to know this incredible city.